Questions on the future of Jabiluka dominated the recently concluded Rio Tinto annual general meeting in London, which heard detailed statements from the floor by Mirrar spokesperson Jacqui Katona.

Ms Katona outlined the legal, commercial and ethical obstacles facing any developer of Jabiluka or future purchaser of ERA.

Speaking from London tonight, Ms Katona said the company's announcement is a cop out and a missed opportunity for Rio.

"Today Rio missed an opportunity to protect the World Heritage values of Kakadu National Park and the cultural integrity of the Mirrar people. Its international corporate reputation will directly suffer as a consequence," Ms Katona said.

Ms Katona added that Rio Tinto's Australian annual general meeting in Sydney on 27 April would be the focus of renewed efforts against the controversial mine.